Prehistoric Training Myths Debunked

“Jurassic World” did its job. It was fast-paced and extremely entertaining. Personally, I sat on the edge of my seat in the IMAX 3D theater, holding my glasses in place as I dodged 3D effects. All the hidden messages sprinkled throughout this movie were fantastic, and I hope you chuckled and analyzed your own behavior. As a seasoned dog trainer, I just need to clear up two misunderstandings, which seemed to weave itself throughout the blockbuster hit.

First, please understand, I’m not that person–you know the fact checker who revels in finding and publicly pointing out any and all discrepancies to the world. Instead, I’m a dog trainer who teaches multiple pet parents and their dogs polite canine behavior so when a myth that I misspell on a daily basis pops up again (sigh), I need to address it.

Animal Training Myth #1: You Can Be the Alpha

My heart sank to my toes when Chris Pratt who played “Jurassic World’s” dinosaur researcher said, “I’m the alpha.” When will this myth die an agonizing death? The alpha concept has been completely dispelled even by the original author.

Humans have this thing about being alpha. It’s human nature to be on top, be an apex predator, climb to the top of the heap and so on. Let’s leave alpha syndrome with middle management at work and leave animals out of the equation. Dogs, cats and I would certainly think dinosaurs don’t see us as alphas. Instead, they learn through consequences and that’s why they comply.

Okay, here’s the truth (and I’ve included research to support my thoughts): Dogs coexist with humans because we can control resources and outcomes. They don’t bow down or listen because we’re superior (definition of alpha). Dogs know we are humans and not dogs, and they don’t secretly plot to take over the pack. New studies show multiple leaders within large groups of dogs just like humans.

Next time your dog responds to a “sit” cue, he has learned performing that behavior has consequences, such as treats, petting and happy sounds. It’s not about respect. It’s about partnerships. 

So let’s move forward from 1949 (yes, that’s when this myth started) and instead teach dogs polite manners by building bonds and partnerships. I think Chris Pratt even said this in the beginning of the movie (yes!) and then succumbed to superiority over raptors (really?). He should’ve said, “This is Blue. He’s learned he can trust me. I would never harm him and we can work together.”

Animal Training Myth #2: Continuous Clicking is Effective

Oh my word! Chris Pratt’s continuous clicking of his clicker was, shall I say, annoying. Clicking continuously to build excitement and using a clicker as a cue is misusing this powerful dog training tool. Instead, click once when an animal (dog, raptor or T-Rex) does the behavior you’re teaching and toss him a treat (hence the rat).

Rather than clicking randomly, Pratt should have clicked once when each raptor made eye contact and then tossed a treat.

Off My Soapbox

“Jurassic World” is reaching millions of people and has the power to leave a lasting message with the masses so I wanted to clear up these misconceptions, as I have painfully learned that saying nothing means you agree.

If you think only dogs can be trained by controlling resources, check out this fabulous article on training butterflies–probably my favorite article of 2015. 🙂

Check out updated information pertaining to leadership within large groups of dogs here.